Choosing a Church Led by the Holy Spirit When Community Speaks Louder Than the Pulpit
- meetgodattheedgeof
- Dec 31, 2025
- 3 min read
Today’s testimony is brought to you by our Heavenly Father.
For a while now, the Lord has been leading us through a season of choosing a church led by the Holy Spirit. It hasn’t been easy. We visited several churches, trying to discern where we were meant to be, and along the way I learned an important lesson: never choose a church based solely on a person, and always look for opportunities to use the gifts God has given you.
Almost every church we were encouraged to try was introduced with, “We love this pastor.” And I agree—liking the pastor matters. But it shouldn’t be the reason we choose a church. Within reason, I don’t care who is standing at the pulpit. If I encounter the Holy Spirit and the message moves my heart, that’s what I’m looking for.
Church after church just didn’t feel right for our family. We would fade into the crowd almost immediately, and getting involved or finding opportunities to serve felt nearly impossible. That’s when frustration began to set in. I even wondered if we were meant to attend church at all, or if we were supposed to focus solely on our personal growth and our family.
While talking with a friend one day, a church I used to attend came up in conversation. Instantly, I felt a tug at my heart. Good memories and familiar faces flooded my mind. Later that day, I prayed about it, and I felt the Lord gently say, “Go visit.”
As often happens in life, a few months passed. Then it came up again—and I felt the same pull. I prayed once more, and again the answer was the same: “Go visit.”
Soon after, I began running into people from that church. Invitations followed. Then I was invited to a men’s gathering, and it was incredible to reconnect with these faithful men. I knew then this wasn’t coincidence—it was confirmation.
After that, I talked with my wife and shared everything that had happened. She was a little apprehensive, but we agreed to give it a try.
The very first Sunday we returned was overwhelming in the best way. Friends welcomed us with open arms. The joy was genuine. Our entire family felt loved, seen, and wanted. I had never experienced that anywhere else. In that moment, choosing a church led by the Holy Spirit became less about sermons and more about community.
That same day, I had the opportunity to pray over someone right there in the sanctuary with a friend. It had been a long time since I was able to do that. I left knowing—without a doubt—that we were exactly where God wanted us to be.
Every visit since, I’ve had opportunities to pray for others. I love it. We found a place where we can bless and be blessed. When community speaks louder than the pulpit, you know the Holy Spirit is present.
As one final confirmation, during worship one Sunday, the team played a song that is incredibly close to my heart. It was the last song we played for my dad at his request as he was dying—his favorite song.
God knew exactly what that would do to me. He knew I would take it as I do now: proof that we are on the right path.
Thank You, Father, for Your grace, Your love, and for leading us where we need to be.
Amen.
